{"id":373747,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-leases-and-rental-agreements-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:51:42","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:51:42","slug":"maine-leases-and-rental-agreements-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-leases-and-rental-agreements-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Leases and Rental Agreements Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maine Leases and Rental Agreements Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The agreement you make with your landlord affects what rights you’ll have. All states regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants<\/a> to some extent, including limits on security deposits<\/a> and anti-discrimination laws.<\/p>\n

Security Deposits<\/h2>\n

A security deposit is money you give to your landlord when you move in. Your landlord<\/a> can use it to cover any unpaid rent or damages. You may not use your security deposit to cover your last month’s rent unless your landlord agrees.<\/p>\n

According to Maine lease and rental agreement laws, landlords cannot charge you more than two (2) times your monthly rent for a security deposit. If you live in subsidized housing, your security deposit should be much less.<\/p>\n

When Does My Landlord Have To Return My Security Deposit?<\/h2>\n

Generally speaking, your landlord must give back the deposit or send you a letter within 21 days after you move out and return the key. If you have a lease, check to see what it says. If there is nothing in the lease about this, or if the lease gives more than 30 days, then your landlord has 30 days to return the deposit.<\/p>\n

Any damages subtracted from the original deposit amount must be itemized and clearly indicated when the deposit is returned.<\/p>\n

Discrimination<\/h2>\n

Landlords may not discriminate<\/a> against you because of your:<\/p>\n